A list of backup tight end prospects for the Steelers

The cream of the crop:

1. Adam Trautman, Dayton
2. Cole Kmet, Notre Dame
3. Albert Okwuegbunam, Missouri
4. Brycen Hopkins, Purdue

Before I break down the above players, I want to note there are no free agent or in-house options here. Any realistic TE2 that would be signed in free agency that the Steelers can afford will present way less potential to be a starter than any of the above options. There seems to a competition for the top TE in this rookie class though.

Adam Trautman looks like the most complete option but comes from a small school that hasn’t had a player drafted since 1977 and tested averagely at the combine. Cole Kmet has the best build but only as one year of production. Albert Okwuegbunam is a freaky athlete that may launch him into top TE consideration. Brycen Hopkins is average across the board but presents better potential than the rest of the class.

I think in a system that values blocking, Trautman will far and away be the best TE out of this class. He shows the most as a blocker out of the top TE’s and has some nice tape to look at (both in school and at the senior bowl). For those that point to his 4.8 40-yard dash, I’ll point out his 6.78 3-cone, meaning while his straight-line speed isn’t great, he will likely maintain that speed through most of his route.

Kmet has the best size and is the best pass-catching option at TE, but his blocking leaves a lot to be desired. Both Kmet and Trautman would likely cost pick 49 for the Steelers. Albert O has amazing size and straight-line speed, but his tape opens up more questions. He seems like a boom or bust type of prospect who’s 40 time may bump his draft stock into the third round.

Hopkins looks about average everywhere in his game except his blocking (where he struggles). His ceiling could be like an in-his-prime Charles Clay (not a player comp): a solid number one that can always be improved upon but is good enough to get the job done.